THE EQUIVALENCY OF SURFACE-TENSION, SURFACE-ENERGY AND SURFACE FREE-ENERGY

in much of the available literature, there is confusion regarding the correct use of the terms surface tension, surface energy and surface f ree energy. As a result, these three terms have been used interchangea bly to describe the same quantity. This problem is particularly seriou s in the area of solid surface science. Linford has examined and discu ssed such inconsistencies but failed to differentiate the three quanti ties clearly. In the present paper, the definitions and the relationsh ips between surface tension, surface energy and surface free energy ar e examined and their proper usage clarified.